Greenville Rear-End Accident Lawyers

Rear-End Accident Attorneys in Greenville, MS

Legal help for victims of rear-end collisions in Greenville

If you’ve been rear-ended in Greenville, you may be facing pain, car repairs, and significant missed time for work. Not to mention the high medical bills you might be experiencing. Rear-end accidents are the most common types of collisions and often happen because someone isn’t paying attention, is following too closely, or is driving too fast for the traffic.

Even a low-speed crash can cause serious injuries like whiplash or back problems. You may feel frustrated or unsure what step to take next, especially if the other driver won’t accept blame. Getting in touch with a Greenville rear-end accident attorney can give you the guidance and confidence you need to take control of the situation.

How can we help?

Common rear-end accident injuries

Rear-end accidents are common, and many people assume they aren’t that serious. However, that isn’t always the case. People involved in these accidents often suffer a variety of injuries, some mild and some more serious. Common injuries include:

  • Whiplash
  • Head injuries
  • Broken or fractured bones
  • Back injuries
  • Shoulder injuries
  • Facial injuries
  • Sprains
  • Emotional trauma

If you’re experiencing any of these injuries and need help getting medical treatment or the compensation to cover your expenses, reach out to a lawyer right away.

Is the rear driver always at fault in a rear-end collision?

People often think that the driver in the back is always to blame for a rear-end crash. While the rear driver is often presumed at fault, this isn’t a hard rule. Sometimes, what another driver does can change who is to blame or make both drivers responsible. Some examples of when the front driver or another party might be to blame are:

  • Sudden stops: If the front vehicle makes an unnecessary, unexplained stop, liability may not automatically rest on the rear driver.
  • Broken or missing brake lights: If the motorist in front of you has brake lights that don't work, you might not be able to determine that the car is stopping or slowing down, meaning it isn’t totally your fault if you rear-end them.
  • Cutting in: If another car quickly merges or cuts in front of a vehicle and then comes to a stop, they can create a situation where an accident is impossible to avoid.
  • Backing up: If a vehicle reverses into a car that’s properly stopped or moving, the reversing driver may be found at fault.
  • Hazardous road conditions or obstructions: If an external factor, such as debris in the road or a car swerving to avoid an object, is involved, blame might be split based on how each driver reacts.

It's important not to assume that the rear driver is always at fault in the accident. Each case should be reviewed on its own facts to make sure liability is fairly decided.

How long do you have to file a rear-end collision claim in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, you usually have three years from the date of a rear-end accident to file a claim for your injuries or damages. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations. If you wait too long, courts will almost always refuse to hear your case. However, there are some exceptions that can give more or less time, depending on the situation.

Because these exceptions can change how much time you have, it’s important to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible after a collision so you don't miss your chance to file your claim.

How much can you get in a settlement for a rear-end accident?

The amount you can get for a rear-end accident in Mississippi depends on the facts of your case. Usually, the insurance company (or the court) looks at your medical bills, property damage, how much time you’ve had to take off from work, and how much of an impact the accident has had on your emotional health. Every case is different.

Damages in rear-end accident claims

You can recover many types of damages if you are hurt in a rear-end collision. Common types include:

  • Medical costs (current and future)
  • Physical therapy or rehabilitation expenses
  • Lost wages from missed work
  • Loss of earning potential if you can't return to your normal job
  • Vehicle repair or replacement expenses
  • Pain and physical suffering
  • Emotional distress or trauma
  • Loss of enjoyment of life or daily activities

The exact settlement or verdict will vary, but you can claim money for both financial losses and the personal hardship caused by the accident.

What does an accident lawyer do?

If you’re in a rear-end accident, you might assume it’s no big deal and that you can just handle any future insurance claims on your own. While you technically can do this, you could end up losing out on money. One of the most effective ways to go about handling this personal injury claim is to work with an accident lawyer. Here’s how they can assist:

Case evaluation

The first thing a lawyer will do is sit down and talk to you about your case. They will listen to your side of the story and take note of everything you tell them about what happened. This will give them an initial understanding of what may have happened and allow them to give you an idea of whether you have a valid claim.

Establishing liability

If they believe that someone else was responsible, or mostly responsible, for causing the accident, they may agree to take your case on. If you decide to work with them, one of the first steps they will take is to gather evidence to try to prove someone else was liable for the accident. This usually includes speaking with witnesses, reviewing police reports, gathering medical records, obtaining video footage and internal vehicle data, and potentially consulting with experts like accident reconstructionists.

Calculating damages

After this, they will move on to try to calculate all of your damages to make sure they’re requesting the right amount from the insurance company or arguing for what you truly deserve in court. They do this by reviewing all your tangible losses and bills, such as medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages. They will also review your emotional damages, such as pain and suffering, and calculate those less tangible losses.

Dealing with insurance companies

Insurance companies can be difficult to deal with; just because you have an amount in your mind of what you’re owed doesn’t mean you’re automatically going to get it. You usually need your lawyer to speak with the insurance company and go back and forth a few times to negotiate what they will offer you in a settlement. Working with a lawyer can often lead to a fairer settlement offer.

Handling paperwork and deadlines

There are deadlines that must be followed for your insurance claim and any potential lawsuits. Your lawyer will review your case closely and determine what these deadlines are. They will make sure all paperwork is filed on time and correctly.

Legal representation

While most cases settle before they get to trial, this isn’t always the case. If the insurance company isn’t willing to make you an offer that seems fair, your lawyer can help you file a lawsuit in civil court. They will represent you at all hearings and argue in front of the judge and jury as to why you deserve compensation and how much you should be awarded.

An attorney will handle all of the aspects of your legal claim for you and explain the process so you know what to expect. You don’t have to do this on your own.

The insurance company is not on your side

Many people assume the insurance company is always on their side. While this is sort of how it's supposed to be, that's not always the case. The insurance company’s main goal is to save money, not to look out for your interests. They may try to pay out as little as possible, even when your injuries are real and your bills are piling up.

Adjusters use tactics such as delaying, questioning your injuries, or offering quick settlements that may not fully cover your expenses and other losses. This is why having someone on your side who understands how insurance companies work can make such a difference in your case.

Ready to take the next step? Our local accident lawyers can help

If you’ve been injured in a rear-end accident, it’s always helpful to have an attorney by your side who can explain the situation to you and help you with your next steps. Even better is a firm with local experience and knowledge of local laws and how insurance and court processes work. Our team is always here to help. You can call us today or visit our Greenville firm at 540 Main Street, ICON Building, Suite 302, Greenville, MS 38701.

Contact Merkel & Cocke to schedule a free consultation with a rear-end accident attorney in Greenville, MS

It can be hard to move on after a rear-end accident, but you don't have to do it alone. When you hire a lawyer, you have someone to help you with insurance claims and gather the evidence you need for your case. Your lawyer will fight to get you the full amount you deserve, whether you settle or go to court.

Rather than dealing with mounting medical expenses or confusing paperwork on your own, you have a team to help you so you can focus on your recovery. If you were injured in a rear-end collision caused by someone else, reach out today to schedule a free consultation with a rear-end accident attorney in Greenville, MS.